Khaos Fury and Black Lightning both rushed through the channel of tunnels to reach Isarem's quarters. Both moved as fast as their hooves could take them without braking into an actual run. They pushed and forced their way passed many a minotaur and slave pony.
"Out of the way, jumbo!" Khaos Fury let out as she shoved a large minotaur aside with her magic.
"Move it!" Black Lightning shouted to those around him and his sister. "Let us pass! Get out of our way!"
Seeing how agitated the two unicorns were, everyone was sure to try and get out of their way as best they could. Khaos Fury and Black Lightning kept their angered demeanor even when they were approaching the door to Isarem's chamber. When the guards at the door saw the approaching ponies, they could tell the two were upset. They all still stood at attention for them, though neither pony noticed the sign of respect. Khaos Fury and Black Lightning both fought for the handle to the door with their magic, but eventually Black Lightning backed off.
Khaos Fury opened the door and hurried into the room along with Black Lightning, who closed the door behind them.
"Lord Isarem, we have a problem!" Khaos Fury said urgently.
But all her bravado, her angry demeanor, and the like were instantly muted, along with Black Lightning's at the sight of the head bull. His back was turned to them and he was sitting in his large stone throne at his even larger desk that was also made of stone. Though they could barely see him like this, they still felt his tremendous presence. This was enough to make anypony, or any minotaur for that matter, feel small and meek. That was how both Black Lightning and Khaos Fury were feeling, despite trying their best to keep up appearances.
"A problem you say?" Isarem's voice asked calmly, though strongly at the same time. Khaos and Black both twitched nervously when they saw Isarem stand up from his desk and turn to them. "Well it must really be bad if you feel the need to pass on the traditional greeting."
A tremor ran through both ponies that shook them to their bones. They heads lowered as they said, "May Paradise shine its light on you, Lord Isarem!"
"Hmm... a little late," Isarem said. "But may Paradise shine its light on you as well, my friends. Now tell me, what is so urgent that you come to me? I assume it has something to do with the village raid?"
"Yes, sir, my lord, sir!" Black Lightning let out at the pace of a fly's wings. "It does indeed!"
"Well, what is it then that's upset you so?" Isarem asked. "Wait, let me guess. You failed to retrieve the alpha stone again, didn't you?"
"No!" Khaos Fury said. "Well, yes, but that's not-"
"Ah, failure once again," Isarem said as he lightly shook his head. "Such a pity. And I had such high hopes you would succeed this time around." The head of the minotaurs let out an exasperated sigh. "Well, I guess I should expect this by now.
"No matter, I'm sure you'll make up for it with some sort of success in the future. I assume you and your invasion party at least left an impression on Willowbrook and its ponies they won't soon forget?"
"Uh..." Black Lightning stammered.
"Actually, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury interjected, "I'm afraid there's more to it than that."
Isarem's disappointed frown slowly began to show more annoyance. This only masked the true frustration he felt.
"What?" Isarem asked, his real frustration showing a little in the light growl of his voice. "Come closer." The two ponies looked to each other with fearful uncertainty. "Come, come!" Isarem demanded.
"Yes, my lord," Black and Khaos said together.
The two hesitantly walked up the small set of steps that took them to the same level of ground Isarem, his desk, and his thrown stood upon.
"Now, what did you mean by that?" Isarem demanded.
"Well..." Khaos Fury said. "There was... There was... You see, in Willowbrook, there were..."
"The ponies there, they had..." Black Lightning tried to chime in.
"Out with it already!" Isarem screamed.
Both ponies flinched and twitched at the sound of Isarem's more than agitated voice. They had turned away, but then slowly shifted their eyes back to their master.
"Lord Isarem..." Khaos Fury said, "the ponies of Willowbrook have brought in some help from the outside world."
Isarem's eyes looked like they were about to bulge out of his head.
"What did you say?!" his voice unable to hide his surprise.
"The Willowbrook ponies are receiving assistance from off island ponies, sir" Black Lightning said. "We think they snuck them in on that puny boat of theirs."
"These outsiders assisted the Willowbrook ponies against us in the raid today," Khaos Fury added.
Isarem gritted his teeth as his body shook in furious aggravation while he held his closed fists up at his sides. But then the head bull was able to miraculously regain control of his temper as he took in a deep breath and let it out.
"So that's the excuse you're going with for your failure?" Isarem asked. "New ponies come on the scene and they're too much for you to handle?"
"It's not an excuse, my lord, it's the truth," Khaos Fury said assuredly. "There really were ponies not from the island assisting the weaklings in Willowbrook!"
"Hmm," Isarem pondered. "I didn't suspect you were lying... I just know you two have a tendency to shift the blame away from yourselves... No matter. So there are some new players in the game, some outsiders you say?"
"Uh-huh," Khaos Fury said as she nodded her head.
"Yes, sir, Isarem, my lord," Black Lightning said.
"Most troubling, indeed," Isarem said as he looked down with a hand to his chin. Seconds later, he turned his eyes back to the ponies before him. "How many of them were there."
"Six mares, my lord," Black Lightning said. "Two Earth ponies, two pegasi, and a-"
"Mares?!" Isarem blurted out, much to the cringe of the unicorn twins. "You're telling me the Willowbrook ponies were able to fight back against our forces just with the help of mares?! And only six of them to boot? Oh, wow! So you're telling me these war hardened and supposedly fearless warriors I spent so much time enlightening can be frightened off by such insects?
"I have to wonder, though, was it them or the two ponies that led them that fled? You're not purposefully misleading the light's army to protect your own kind are you?"
"NO!" Khaos Fury and Black Lightning blurted out at the same time.
"Never, Lord Isarem?!" Khaos Fury said.
"You've enlightened us as you have everyone else here, my lord!" Black Lightning added. "The fact that we are ponies just like those who defy you means nothing to us!"
"Then that means you're just incompetent failures!" Isarem shouted. "How could you let my forces fall to such outsider rubbish?!"
"But, my lord, there's more to it than that!" Khaos Fury insisted. "One of them was an alicorn!"
Isarem's eyes, quick as whip, looked to his pony general in disbelief.
"An alicorn?" he asked in surprise. "You mean another one like that brat from the village."
"No, sir, much different," Black Lightning said.
"This one is not afraid of using her powers to their full potential," Khaos Fury said. "And it seems like she knows how to use them quite well based on our fight with her."
"She and the other mares are all incredible fighters," Black Lightning said. "They're unlike any ponies we fought before. Not even that old bat, Firefly or that thick headed, Thunder Jack could keep up with us in a fight like they could. Clearly they've done all this before, real professionals."
"Mercenaries?" Isarem asked.
"I suspect the alicorn is a princess, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury said.
"Why makes you think that?" the head bull asked.
"She just had that air about her," Khaos Fury said.
"I see," Isarem said. "And do you suspect those others are her royal guard or something?"
"No, sir," Khaos Fury said. "But it's clear they still have some sort of special connection. I just can't think of what it is at the moment."
"Ah," Isarem said. "It sounds like we have quite the new enemies."
"It may be hard to believe, my lord," Black Lightning said, "but together they have the power of any minotaur."
"But you had a whole squadron of minotaurs with you!" Isarem shouted. "Even then you let these newcomers get the best of you?! Look, if things were getting that bad, why didn't you just call one of our monsters to assist? I'm sure Solomon or Hedorah would be more than a match for six fillies, even if one is an alicorn princess! Or are you trying to say now that their strength is equaled to a god-sized monster?!"
"Not at all, my lord," Black Lightning said. "But..." The stallion was fearfully hesitant to continue on, for he knew too many bad reports would invoke Isarem's wrath. But so did beginning to speak and not finishing, so he forced himself to go on. "Before we elaborate further on, I must warn you that the situation becomes much more complicated."
Isarem's eyes focused intensely on Black Lightning as he said, "What do you mean?"
Black Lightning looked to his sister, who nodded her head to him.
"We did call in a monster, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury said. "We called Solomon."
"Ah, a good choice," Isarem said. "By far the best fighter we have of any of our forces here. But if that's the case, how could you still have lost?"
Both ponies were doing their absolute best to work up the courage to tell Isarem exactly what happened. They weren't scared of a whole lot of things, not even the kaiju they controlled or the threat of death. But they did, for certain fear Isarem, because he could and would make a pony beg for death if they rubbed him the wrong way. They had felt that type of wrath from him several times in the past and they feared they would again. But they had a feeling they would feel it either way and this new information was too important.
Because of that, they went on.
"Well, before we go any further, I must add on about the mares," Black Lightning said.
"I thought we were passed that," Isarem said.
"But, my lord, it's terribly important," Black Lightning said. "They're from Equestria."
"What?!" Isarem shouted. "Equestria?! How do you know that?!"
"They told us," Khaos Fury said. "And..." The unicorn had never been more scared in her entire life than she was at that moment. "Remember the monster we saw destroy Kamoebas in Equestria through the crystal ball?"
Isarem's eyes widened even further, the surprise on his face intensifying ever so more.
"No..." the minotaur whispered. "It can't be."
"It's true, lord!" Black Lightning said at a fast pace. "The monster! The one we saw kill our monster! It's here! It's on this island here right now as we speak!
"We witnessed it fight Solomon to a near standstill!"
"How can that possibly be?!" Isarem let out. "How can there be a creature mighty enough to lock horns with Solomon the way you suggest this creature has?! It's impossible! Solomon is the ultimate weapon we have! He and Hedorah were able to get rid of that defector beast from before, so why not this one now?!"
"I'm afraid that's not true, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury said as she cringed.
"What are you getting at, equine?!" Isarem said menacingly.
"Anguirus... is... alive," Khaos Fury very hesitantly explained.
Isarem screamed and his whole body shuddered as he stomped a step forward, making both unicorns flinch back in fearful anticipation.
"He's alive?!" Isarem let out. "How could he be alive?! That ambush I had you two setup should've been the end of him! You said it yourselves it went perfectly! Hedorah and Solomon had him beat to dead, you said! Your words, not mine!"
"I know, lord, but-" Khaos Fury started to say.
"And now you're saying he survived?!" Isarem shouted.
The raging mad minotaur's whole body heaved as he breathed heavily as ever. He turned away from the unicorns and stepped over to his desk again. For some reason beyond explanation, Khaos Fury and Black Lightning followed him. Even more shocking, and some would say idiotic, they actually stepped in closer. They were way too close for comfort, though with Isarem that was always the same no matter how close or far you were.
Isarem bent down as he placed his hands on the top of his desk.
"So... let me get this straight," Isarem said in a softer, yet still agitated voice. "You failed to get me the alpha stone today... And that was because... ponies from Equestria... one being an alicorn princess... and their pet monster interfered. Also... they had... further assistance... from Anguirus... who you... weren't able to kill. Another failure on your part... even though you said you had destroyed him.
"Does that about sum it up?"
"Well... I wouldn't put it all that way, but..." Black Lightning began.
"Yes, sir, that is correct," Khaos Fury said.
"Ah... I see," Isarem let out with a hiss.
"Okay, we did fail," Black Lightning said as he started to walk closer to Isarem. Khaos Fury reached out to stop him, but it was too late. "But we can do better. We still have the plan-"
Black Lightning was cut off when Isarem reached wrapped his left hand around the stallion's throat faster than any eye could see. Isarem screamed as he slammed Black Lightning against a wall.
"The plan can only work if things go right!" Isarem screamed.
"No!" Khaos Fury shouted.
Khaos Fury's body jolted forward as though she were about to jump in and assist her brother. She was halted instantly when Isarem looked to her and pointed a finger with his free hand.
"Don't you dare, Khaos!" Isarem demanded. "Not unless you want my hand around your neck, too!"
"Y- y- Yes, sir," Khaos Fury stammered as she looked on in horror.
Isarem turned his attention back to Black Lightning as he leaned in closer and said, "Listen to me and listen closely, Black Lightning. I picked you and your sister over there as my top generals because I thought you were worth something. The way you presented yourselves made it look like you were the right ones for the job. You made me believe that you believed with every inch of your being in the movement of Paradise.
"You also made me believe you could and would do anything in its cause and that you would do it right. I respected that and I respected you because of how sincerely you seemed dedicated to the cause. And yes, there were little things you accomplished here and there."
Isarem's glare intensified as he screamed the rest of the time. "But lately you both have been screwing up when it matters most! I asked you to get the village ponies' alpha stone, you failed me! I asked you to kill Anguirus, you failed me!
"You even allowed a rouge group of outsiders to come in with a pet you already knew was immensely powerful! You failed me again! I have to wonder if you're really all you had claimed to be or if you have just gotten lazy and aren't working to your full potential! Lack of effort that costs this movement so dearly will not be tolerated! I should send you both to Paradise right now, though the light knows you don't deserve it!
"I should destroy you both!"
Isarem screamed as he began repeatedly punching his free fist into the wall right next to Black Lightning's head. Khaos Fury nearly charged forward to attack because it looked to her like Isarem had actually punched Black Lightning. She stopped when she realized he was punching the wall, though she still feared for her brother's life. After eight punches, Isarem stopped his assault, holding his closed fist in the hole he left in the wall. Isarem breathed heavily as he looked on at Black Lightning in anger.
His eyes then turned to Khaos Fury who was staring dead ahead at Isarem and her brother.
"I'll bet you'd like to attack me right now, Khaos," Isarem said. He kept looking back and forth to the siblings. "I'll bet you both would like to blast me with your magic right now... So why don't you go ahead and try?... Come on."
Isarem shifted his gaze from Black Lightning to Khaos Fury, waiting to see if one or both of their horns would start lightning up.
"We don't want to fight you, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury hesitantly said. "We don't want to try and hurt you."
With those words, Isarem's body language, his facial expression, and his entire demeanor seemed to soften a considerable amount. He even released Black Lightning from his choke and let the stallion drop back to his hooves. Black Lightning instantly returned to his sister's side. Khaos Fury looked Black over to make sure there was no serious damage done to him. She was thankful to see that there wasn't and that her brother was out of harm's way for the time being.
"I don't actually want to hurt you two either," Isarem said as he placed his hands on his hips. He nodded his head toward the wall he punched as he said, "That's why that wall looks like that instead of your head, Black Lightning."
The unicorn stallion gulped nervously before saying, "I appreciate that very much, oh most merciful of leaders."
"That's right, I am merciful," Isarem said. "And it's because of that mercy and because I think you two can still serve a purpose that I'm giving you both one more chance. Don't blow it this time, my little ponies."
"Of course not, oh most gracious of all minotaurs!" Black Lightning said with a quick pace as he and his sister bowed.
"So what is our next plan of action, my lord?" Khaos Fury asked when she and her brother finished their bow.
Isarem placed his chin in his hand and thought silently for a moment.
"We proceed with the plan," Isarem finally said. "But... we will need to make some large adjustments that take into account the arrival of all these... irksome outsider who have come to assist the rebels in Willowbrook. Leave that to me. You give me the information you acquired based on your first encounters with these outsiders. Then I'll write out details in the modified plan to compensate for the villagers' new allies."
"Yes, Lord Isarem," Khaos Fury and Black Lightning said together.
"But first there are some things I want you to do," Isarem added.
"Of course, sir, anything," Black Lightning said.
"First go to the lab and check on the top project," Isarem said. "As the heads of the project and the science division as a whole, I need you to keep making sure everything is progressing smoothly. Isarem groaned before he said, "I wish I could find the right ones to head the science division and the project so you can focus solely on your positions as generals. Unfortunately you two are the only ones here with more than half a brain besides myself. Without you guiding them, those fools in the lab wouldn't get anywhere, so I have no choice.
"Once you're finished doing that, head down to the mines and see how the digging is progressing and if it turned up any results. That last artifact is crucial in the final phase of the plan. Without it, the final phase may not go as well as I'd hoped. Do you understand and can you do all this for me?"
"Yes, master," both unicorns said as they gave small bows.
"Then be gone with you to carry out my orders," Isarem said as he waved them away.
The two ponies bowed before quickly exiting the room to carry out their new orders. When they left, Isarem turned to his desk and groaned as he pushed back the hood of his robe. He rubbed a hand against the side of his head as he lowered it and closed his eyes.
After all these years, it still hurts, Isarem thought to himself. But why? Why does it all hurt so much? Why must I endure so many more hardships on top of this throbbing, aching pain in my head? Why is it, that when I'm trying to make things better for everyone, I must face so many obstacles around me?
Could I have been wrong? Did I not see what I thought I saw? Has everything up to this moment been a lie?
Isarem looked to the small lantern on his desk and stared at it for several seconds of silence. Then, as if he were renewed, a confident smile crossed his face.
No, he thought to himself. None of that's true at all. These are just more tests. No one said getting to Paradise would be easy. But it will sure be worth it. That's why my movement, and especially I, myself will persevere.
The best things in life are worth working hard for and I've been working the hardest on this. I know it'll be worth it and soon everyone else will, too. They'll see what we've been trying to accomplish and when they do... they'll thank us... They'll thank me. So by the will of Paradise's light, I will go on as had been predestined oh so many years ago.
With that, Isarem sat down at his desk, grabbed a pen and paper, and began scribbling outlines for strategies based on what new information he had so far.
WILLOWBROOK, PONY TALE ISLAND
It's not an easy, nor a quick process cleaning up a village after it faced such a terrible battle as Willowbrook and its population did. But despite that, the villagers pushed on and did the best they could. Nearly every capable pony did all they could to clear away any debris left by the battle their village had just endured. Mares, stallions, and even some children banded together and did their best to fix up all the damage done to their home. Overturned wagons were stood up straight, shopping stands were either repaired, or cleared away, and weapons left laying around were removed from the area.
Much messier things that were not suitable for children were taken care of first. That particular mess was one the adults of the village wanted their children to have absolutely no part of because of how gruesome it was. They wanted to reserve their children's' innocence as much as possible. Despite this, a good lot of the children had experienced what the adults tried to shelter them from up close several times in the past. In the kind of situation the ponies had been facing for so long, it was nearly impossible not to.
Aside from the gruesome mess that needed cleaning up, the adult ponies didn't want their children going near the more dangerous things that needed attending to. This included things like the overturned wagons and the weapons laying all over the place among others. Some of these things were allowed so long as there was adult supervision, but the majority was off limits to kids. Most believed it didn't matter either way with how long it usually took to clean these messes left by the terrible battles with the minotaurs. This time, however, was very different in a lot of ways.
For one, none of the ponies there had to pick up the bodies of their comrades and drag them out to be buried. Not a single pony lost their life in this last fight. Because of this, along with other reasons, there was the second unusual thing. There was actually celebration going on amongst those that were not apart of the cleanup crew. There was music, dancing, laughing, smiling, and all sorts of good times going around.
Joined amongst both the cleanup crew and the celebrating crowd were the members of the Mane Six. Mares like Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Rarity pitched in and helped with the cleanup. At the same time Pinkie Pie would celebrate with the others, ocassionally joined by Rarity who switched in between the two groups. Applejack would go around helping the other ponies with whatever they needed, especially if it was heavy lifting. She handled that part very well on her own, much to the others' surprise.
Twilight kept close to TJ, who was neck deep in the cleanup crew. Moon Bright even helped with some of the lighter stuff, despite her physical health having faced a steep decline in recent years. She was far too stubborn to let that keep her from working like she had most of her life. Most joked she would die working, though her children feared that may one day become a reality. They would rather she get looked after at the infirmary like several other ponies that participated in the big battle.
However, between the cleanup, the celebration, and the infirmary, there was one particular pony that wasn't at any of them. This lone pony was Rainbow Dash who stood on a bridge with her back turned to everything else. Occasionally a lone pony or a small group would pass by, but she would pay them no mind even if they tried to be pleasant and greet her. She just leaned against the rope that held up the wooden bridge and stared off somberly. Right now she was in no mood to be friendly or even be around another pony at all.
All she wanted was to be left alone with her emotions to sulk. Some would say, though, at the moment she had every right to. Long ago, when she was just a little foal, her mother disappeared entirely from her life. She didn't realize it at first, but apparently a deep seeded resentment was growing inside her because of this. This bitterness didn't make itself known until that day when Rainbow Dash saw her mother for the first time in forever, discovering she was living on her own somewhere else.
It crushed Rainbow Dash to find this out so suddenly, because she never knew what happened to her mother. Now to find out like this was a surprise, one that came as a blow to her. Aside from Rainbow Dash herself, no pony recognized this more so than her friends or the pony currently approaching her. Firefly, like everypony else, had decided to stay back and just give Rainbow Dash time to herself. But ever since she first laid eyes on her now adult daughter, Firefly wanted so much to get some time between them just to talk.
Firefly had been stalling by joining the cleanup crew to give her daughter space, but now no more. She had decided that it couldn't be put off any longer. Now the time had come where they would have to face each other, regardless of the results. She desperately had to talk to Rainbow Dash no matter what the outcome. Thus, as slowly and as gently as she ever had, Firefly flew up to the the bridge where her daughter stood.
Despite how gently Firefly landed on the bridge, Rainbow Dash still felt and heard her land. She even knew right away that it was her mother, despite never turning around to look. Her sad face slightly changed to also convey more anger, which had been a more underlying emotion up to that point. Despite Rainbow Dash only slightly lifting her head, giving no other indications, Firefly still knew that her daughter was aware of her.
"Rainbow Dash," Firefly said softly. The daring speedster only slightly turned her head before turning back and lowering it once more. "Rainbow Dash, we have to talk," Firefly said with a tiny more force in her voice.
Again Rainbow Dash turned her head only slightly, but did respond, albeit in a weak voice.
"Is this where you've been all this time?"
"No!" Firefly answered quickly. "Well, yes! I mean-! Maybe! I..." Firefly groaned as she looked away and lightly shook her head. "Well, this is off to a great start."
"You're the one that wanted to talk, Firefly," Rainbow Dash said bitterly.
Firefly was getting ready to say something, but eventually decided against leading with it and began with something else.
"Yeah, I guess I did. But could you please not call me that?"
"What would you rather have me call you?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Don't answer that, it was a rhetorical question. I know what you want me to call you. But as far as I'm concerned you haven't earned it. Not from me at least.
"From TJ and his little sis maybe. Celestia knows you've been more of a mom to them than you have to me."
"I understand why you would think that, Rainbow Dash," Firefly said. "But if you knew the full story, you might think differently."
"What full story?" Rainbow Dash asked. "The one where you take off when I was a baby leaving me without a mom growing up and making a large void in my life?! Some story, Firefly!"
"Oh, Rainbow Dash," Firefly said sadly as she hung her head and closed her eyes. She then opened them and looked directly at Rainbow Dash. "You know, you're just as I remember you."
"You actually remembered me?" Rainbow Dash asked. "Well, it sure doesn't feel like it."
"Well, I do remember," Firefly said. "I'm looking at those memories right now before my eyes. You were bite sized back then, but except for your size, nothing else has changed. Well, except for maybe how you let out your energy. You always had a whole lot of energy no matter what time of the day it was.
"You were a nightmare to put down for a nap or put to bed at night in your crib. But it was always worth it. Getting to hold you, feed you, play with you, read you stories, and just being a mother to you overall. It was the best feeling in the world."
"Then why would you give it up if it was so good?!" Rainbow Dash spat at Firefly as she turned to look at her.
"Well before I start explaining," Firefly said, "I need to ask you if you remember what my occupation was."
Rainbow Dash shook her head.
"Didn't even know you had one," the rainbow maned pony replied.
"Of course," Firefly said. " You were too young. But didn't your dad tell you anything about me? Didn't you ask? There had to have been some photos or something at least."
"No," Rainbow Dash said as she shook her head. "Every time I tried to bring you up, Dad would always change the subject."
"Oh... I see," Firefly said sadly. "Well I want you to know that my occupation wasn't just some run of the mill gig. In addition to being a mom, which I loved way more, I also had a career. I was a flier by profession. Was part of what was back then Equestria's elite flying team.
"They called themselves-"
"The Wonderbolts?" Rainbow Dash asked, a tiny hint of anticipation in her voice.
Firefly looked to her daughter in surprise and took note of her small change in demeanor before she hid it away.
"Yes," Firefly said. "You've heard of them? Are they still the top fliers?"
"You know they are," Rainbow Dash said. "They've only been the top fliers for several hundred years."
"Well, yeah," Firefly said, "but you know, things can change at the drop of a bit. Also, I have been away from Equestria for a while."
"Yeah," Rainbow Dash said as her glare intensified. "I know."
"Oh... right," Firefly said. "Anyways, being named after the founder of the Wonderbolts by my parents, it was practically destined I'd become a member."
"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked, her interest peeked yet again.
"Yes, I did," Firefly said as she nodded her head and a confident smile crossed her face. "I don't like to brag... but I was super good at it, too. So good in fact that I became the best flier on the team and climbed the ranks super fast, just like I flew. The choreography, timing, agility, formations, all that stuff was a breeze to me."
"Really?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"Yep," Firefly said proudly. "And I did it all while still doing what I enjoyed most, being a mother. I was so good I was made a captain near instantly. Or it sure felt like it. Time flies when you're having fun."
"I'm assuming this trip down memory lane will have a point eventually?" Rainbow Dash said impatiently.
"Of course," Firefly said quickly. "Sorry about that... Anyways, getting that good that fast can sometimes lead a pony to make enemies. Of course, I eventually did... but not where you'd think or for the reasons you'd think. Turns out there were several... bad eggs within the ranks of the Wonderbolts.
"Somehow they flew under the radar for a really long time. But when I found out about it, I exposed them as soon as I could. I knew what they were doing was wrong and I wasn't afraid to let everyone know about it."
"You're talking about the great crash landing?!" Rainbow Dash exclaimed in amazement.
"Is that what they call it?" Firefly asked with a chuckle.
"Well... yeah," Rainbow Dash said. "It's said that a pony in the Wonderbolts exposed a rink that were dealing out performance enhancers while also taking them themselves. The enhancers had dangerous side effects that were so bad they were made illegal. The ponies dealing them were prosecuted and removed from the ranks of the Wonderbolts."
"You know your Wonderbolts history, Dashie," Firefly said, using one of her old nicknames for her daughter.
"The pony who exposed the rink never came forth or was revealed by anyone else," Rainbow Dash said, the urgency in her voice rising. She looked to her mother with amazed eyes. "That was you?!"
"Yes," Firefly said as she nodded her head. "I couldn't let them get away with what they were doing. It was wrong. I knew it and they knew it, too, but they did it anyway. What most ponies forget was those guys did a few other illegal things, like some mafia stuff to keep others quiet...
"Well I headed them off before they could get to me. I was still afraid, though. Not just for myself, but I was mostly afraid for you and your dad. I didn't know how many connections those ponies had or how deep they went... So I decided the best thing to do... was to disappear.
"That's just what I did. I told your dad... told him there wasn't a choice. I had his name changed and my name changed... and then I left."
Firefly looked to see her daughter staring at her with a stunned expression.
"That... That's why you left?" Rainbow Dash asked in a shaky voice.
"Yes," Firefly said. "It was the toughest choice I ever had to make... But at the time I thought it was the right one. Several times, it didn't feel like it, though. Every single moment of every single day I missed you, Rainbow Dash.
"I missed your dad, too, but I'll admit, it was such a gratifying feeling being a mother. I always missed that feeling so much that I thought I wouldn't be able to live without it. To try and get over my pain, I traveled and that eventually led me here. I met Moon Bright and her family and for a little bit, I felt like myself again... But I quickly came to the realization that it was just a substitute for what I gave up before.
"I'm not gonna beat around the bush with you, Rainbow Dash... I love you. I've always loved you and I always missed you everyday you weren't near me. I still have pictures of our family together back when my life was at its best."
Rainbow Dash looked away as her eyes shut tightly and tears began to stream down her face.
"I only had one picture of you growing up," Rainbow Dash said in between sobs. "Dad didn't know I had it. I looked at it so many times growing up... I always wanted to know you... But all I had were faint images from when I was a baby.
"I don't even know if some of what I remember really happened or they were just dreams of moments I wished we had."
"I'm willing to bet they were real," Firefly said. "You know, it's not impossible to dream about things that actually happened to you, Dashie. Even if some of what you dreamed didn't really happen... well... it can now... Do you get what I'm trying to say, Rainbow Dash?... I know now leaving you was a mistake and that I should've just taken you with me.
"I should've taken you and your dad both. Then again things may have been too different for you, I don't know. But I should've been willing to find out... and now... now that you're here... I am. I'm willing to take several chances... just like I'm sure you are, my little Dashie. I will literally do anything to make things right between us again.
"I want us... you and me... to be a family again. I want my daughter back... I want my little Dashie back."
Rainbow Dash saw the tears building up in her mom's eyes before they began to run down her face. She saw the sadness, but she also saw the hope and sincerity, the love and the compassion in Firefly's trembling eyes. Her whole body was shaking as she stared at Rainbow Dash, her expression conveying everything she just said, amplified to a thousand. Rainbow Dash didn't know what to say, what to think, or what to do. There was massive emotional hesitation on her part, but it was clear she was still thinking it over.
Firefly didn't wait for her to decide, though, instead approaching to try and embrace Rainbow Dash. She moved too soon and realized it too late as Rainbow Dash flew up off the bridge and backed away from it.
"Don't hold your breath," Rainbow Dash said angrily. "You have a long way to go if you want things like that with me again. Frankly, I don't think you can even get there at this point. Now buzz off and leave me alone."
"Rainbow Dash, wait!" Firefly called out.
But it was too late, for the blue furred pegasus was already flying away as fast as she could get. Firefly watched her go and kept staring even after Rainbow Dash was out of sight. After several moments, Firefly walked to the spot Rainbow Dash had been standing in. She placed her forelegs on the rope holding up the bridge before she laid her head down and began to sob.
ELSEWHERE:
Muse and Fluttershy stood side by side in a clearing within the Willowing Forest. Only a cluster of trees separated it from Willowbrook. Though not as big as the space in which the ponies' village stood, it was still a pretty wide open area. It had to be because of who's home it was. At that moment, Fluttershy and Muse were not only accompanied by the creature that dwells in the clearing, but another giant as well.
Anguirus, who's den this was, laid down on his belly while looking up at Godzilla. The mighty saurian sat in front of the four legged kaiju, with whom he was sharing a conversation. The vocalization the two giant monsters made to each other ranged from soft short roars to low, quiet growls. Very rarely did either one of them let out a trumpet of their regular roars during their exchange of communications. Regardless of what sounds they made, Fluttershy and Muse both looked on in fascination with big bright eyes and smiles on their faces.
While both ponies were happy about how well the monsters were getting along, they couldn't help but be awed at the kaiju most new to them. Despite everything they had all just went through, the village ponies, the Mane Six, and even the monsters themselves were amazed at each kaiju's existence. Now actually getting to see the two exchanged pleasantries was almost an overload of amazing for both Muse and Fluttershy. It was even more of a treat for Fluttershy, who could actually understand animal talk. For the first time ever, she was getting to hear a genuine, friendly conversation between two kaiju.
She had heard kaiju shouting hateful things at each other and even heard some battle strategies exchanged. Never, though, had she seen or heard two kaiju sit down and just shoot the breeze and make small talk like Godzilla and Anguirus were. She hoped to see a lot more of this in the future and judging by how well the two monsters were hitting it off, there was a lot more to come.
"Wow, it's so great Anguirus finally has someone to talk to like this," Muse said.
"I feel the same way for Godzilla, too," Fluttershy said.
"Well, of course," Muse said. "I'm happy for both of them. It's just that Anguirus and I are real close, you know?"
"I understand, Muse," Fluttershy said with a confirming smile. "I'm guessing you're probably the closest to Anguirus of anypony here, is that right?"
"Yeah," Muse said. "Probably the only other ones in the village that come this close are TJ and my mom. But... I don't want to sound egotistical or anything, but Anguirus and I just have that special connection, you know? We've been tight ever since the beginning when he first arrived. I feed him, I come to see him more than anypony else, and I was the one who found him."
"Oh, really?" Fluttershy said in fascination.
"Is that a fact?" an approaching southern voice asked.
Fluttershy and Muse looked to see an exhausted, yet still pretty spry Applejack trotting over to them
"Hiya, Applejack," Fluttershy greeted pleasantly.
"Howdy, Fluttershy," Applejack called back.
Fluttershy flew over, meeting Applejack halfway, and hugged her, which the Earth pony mare returned.
"How are you doing?" Muse asked.
"Oh, I'm fine, thank you, Ms. Muse," Applejack said. "I'm just plum tuckered out is all. That cleanup really took it out of me. Not surprising with how much that needed to be done. Also not surprising considering what went down before. Frankly, it's more surprising how good a time we're making.
"Anyways, I reckon the cleanup is just about done with. There's only a few things left to deal with here and there. I'll help eventually, but right now I really need to take a breather."
"I hear ya, Applejack," Muse said. "I've been a part of several of those kinds of cleanups before."
"So have I," Fluttershy said.
"I've done it a few times myself," Applejack said.
"I can't say I'm surprised," Muse said. "Guess that's the territory that comes with having your own giant monster."
"Oh, we don't just cleanup after kaiju messes," Applejack said. "We've had our fair share of other things to deal with that needed cleaning up afterwards."
"Yeah, I figured," Muse said. "Us, too. The minotaurs don't always bring their little pets on their play dates. But either way, they always leave a big mess we get to cleanup! Yay!
"I'd be out there myself helping you guys, but Mom told me to feed Anguirus. I already know you asked Fluttershy just to look after Godzilla, too."
"Eeyup," Applejack said. "Since I don't see any food laying around here, I think it's safe to say both of our big boys have been taken care of."
Fluttershy and Muse both nodded their heads before saying, "Absolutely."
They looked to each other in surprise before they both smiled and giggled as they shut their eyes. Afterwards, all attention was given to the astounding sights that were Godzilla and Anguirus. It was easy to tell both were still very much delighted talking to each other and partaking in their company. They seemed to be having the best time of their lives and the three ponies watching couldn't have been happier.
"I'm sorry, but I can't get over how perfect this is," Muse said.
"You mean having two kaiju on our side?" Applejack asked.
"Well, yeah," Muse said. "But I was mostly talking about how they both have someone they can relate so close, too. I mean, Anguirus and I have always been best friends. But these two are connecting on a level I never ever could with Anguirus. I'm still happy he has someone like that now even if it isn't me.
"I want what's best for Anguirus."
"I understand, Muse," Fluttershy said as she looked up at the two happy monsters. "Really, I do. I feel the same way. It may be a little different since I can actually have conversations with Godzilla. But even then I don't feel like I could connect with him in the same way Anguirus can despite my best efforts. Honestly, I'm just fine with it so long as Godzilla has someone like Anguirus to do that with.
"Godzilla and I are a lot like you and Anguirus. I was the first one to ever meet Godzilla when he came to Equestria. We got off to a rocky start, but it all turned out for the best."
"Well," Applejack said, "I think anypony could understand why you two didn't exactly hit it off at first, Fluttershy. Including Godzilla. He was a big old thing and you were just a little old thing. Plus it was in the middle of the night. That'd be freaky for anyone."
"Yes, but to be fair, he did save me from a dragon right then and there," Fluttershy said.
"That's amazing," Muse said. "A lot of that sounds like what it was like when Anguirus and I met. Some differences, though, but still pretty similar."
"Oh, really?" Fluttershy asked. "Like how?"
"I'd like to hear how you happened to come across Anguirus, myself," Applejack said.
"Well... it's a long story," Muse said with uncertainty. "It's actually also kind of the story of how I became an alicorn."
"Then by all means, go ahead," Applejack said. "I didn't want to be rude and dwell on it, but I was wondering about that, too."
"About what?" Muse asked.
"If you were born an alicorn or got turned into one like Twilight," Applejack said.
"I'd like to know that myself."
Everypony looked to see Twilight Sparkle and TJ walking up to the group.
"Well, howdy there, Twilight," Applejack said as she tipped her hat. Then she tipped it to TJ as well. "TJ."
"How're you doing, Applejack?" TJ asked.
"Tired as a bull after a rodeo, but I'll live," Applejack replied.
"That's about where I'm at right now," TJ said. He then lightly groaned as he rubbed his hoof across her back. "Plus I think I might have pulled a muscle or two... or seven."
"I told you just to let me handle that stuff," Twilight Sparkle said. "But no, he had to act all macho and try handling that stuff all by himself."
"Trying to impress the pretty princess, TJ?" Muse asked teasingly.
"Shut up, I was not!" TJ blurted out as everypony else started laughing. "I just wanted to handle that stuff myself. I get that from my dad... He was always a do it yourself kind of pony." For a moment a sad look crossed TJ's face. Eventually, though, he fought it away and continued on like nothing happened.
"What about you, Muse? How are you and Fluttershy getting along."
"Oh, she's great," Muse said. "She's a joy to be around and keep company with. We've just been having a good time hanging out with Anguirus and Godzilla."
"I feel the same way," Fluttershy said. "Muse has been such a delight. It's really nice to see how much she cares for Anguirus. She's taken to Godzilla pretty well, too."
"Fluttershy also likes Anguirus pretty well now," Muse said.
"Well, of course, what's there not to like?" TJ asked. "We got two really awesome, really amazing monsters here who love and protect ponies with all they have. Plus, they're just some very nice guys."
"Couldn't have said it better myself," Twilight Sparkle said. "Since the cleanup is finished, TJ and I decided to come visit the kaiju and you guys to see how you're all doing. Looks like everything's good, and Godzilla and Anguirus seem to be doing really well."
"Oh, they're becoming the best of friends," Fluttershy assured.
"That's good," Twilight Sparkle said. "They both deserve someone like that."
"Doesn't hurt that their new friendship will work out in our favor," TJ said. "Sorry to keep going back to that, but having two monsters on our side really increases our chances of success against the minotaurs and their monsters."
"Anguirus needed some help, that's for sure," Muse said.
"Based on what I saw of the fight between Godzilla and Solomon, our boy needs it, too," Applejack said.
"Yeah, but not nearly as bad as Anguirus," TJ said.
"What do you mean?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Well..." TJ started. "How do I say this?... I love Anguirus. He's my buddy through and through. But he hasn't exactly been very successful fighting against the minotaurs' monsters.
"I mean haven't you seen the injuries all over him?"
Everyone focused closer on Anguirus, despite all his injuries being clear to see.
"He sure looks like he's been through the ringer a few times alright," Applejack said.
"How horrible," Fluttershy said, to which Twilight nodded in agreement.
"It's worse than you think," TJ said. "All those wounds came from fights that Anguirus wasn't able to win by himself and he barely got out of by the skin of his teeth."
"Really?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in disbelief.
"I wish I were making this up," TJ said. "But it was only with assistants from the alpha stone's power that Anguirus was able to survive all those fights. Recently the minotaurs lured him into a trap to try and take him down for good. Anguirus was fighting both Solomon and Hedorah at the same time far away from the village. I was there with some others and we saw Anguirus go over a cliff into the ocean with Hedorah.
"When only Hedorah came out again, we thought Anguirus was dead and gone forever."
"I was devastated," Muse said.
"She cried herself to sleep for weeks," TJ said.
"Don't act like you didn't, too," Muse said, sounding a little bit more emotional than she meant to.
"Oh, I sure did," TJ confessed. "You're darn right, absolutely I did. All of us mourned Anguirus because we hadn't just lost a protector... we lost someone we came to know as a good friend. In between fights, Anguirus always treated us good. He walked with us sometimes when we went out of the village, he was always supportive even if he was only able to interact from just outside the village.
"He was just a good guy all around. That's why all our hearts were lifted so high to see Anguirus alive, despite how bad of a beating he took last time. I'm hoping that now he won't get such bad beatings with Godzilla here... I hate to say this. Anguirus has a lot of heart, really he does.
"He may have the most heart of any living creature I've seen, fighting on until the end. But while he may have the heart, clearly he doesn't have the body to match. As impressive as he looks to us, on the kaiju's level, he's probably the runt of the litter."
At that moment, Anguirus looked down and roared in angry protest.
"I'm sorry, Anguirus, but it's the truth," TJ said. "You remember all those fights don't you? You were outnumbered, out sized, and out powered. It killed me each time to see how close you were to being killed yourself. It hurt us all when you were hurting, Anguirus.
"But we always stuck with you."
Anguirus nodded his head as he begrudgingly roared that TJ was right.
"But all that past stuff may not matter now," TJ said. "Now that you have a friend like Godzilla by your side... maybe your luck will change."
"Oh, it will," Applejack reassured. "With Godzilla here, I guarantee it. If Rainbow Dash were here, she'd be guaranteeing it a lot louder than I ever could."
"We've told you before, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said. "Godzilla's always been about helping those who need it. So that's how I know, through his and Anguirus's combined power, we will prevail."
Everyone smiled as their confidence rose higher. Muse smiled to Anguirus, who stuck out a paw that she instantly hugged as best she could.
"Of course, it won't hurt any with us also having that alpha stone thingy of yours," Applejack said.
"Yeah, what's up with that, by the way?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"What do you mean?" TJ asked in reply.
"Well... for starts, what is the alpha stone?" Twilight Sparkle asked. "Where did it come from? How did it get here? How is it so powerful?"
Both TJ and Muse looked to each other with uncertainty.
"You mean, neither of you know the answers?" Fluttershy asked.
"Well..." TJ said.
"We only kind of, sort of know the answers to some of those questions," Muse said.
"Huh?" Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack said together.
"Let's try this again," TJ said. He paused for a moment as he tried to think of what to say next and how to say it. "I have something to confess to you, girls."
"What's that, TJ?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Well..." TJ began. "We... didn't exactly... make this village... We added onto it, no doubt. But the majority of what you saw with the bridges, balconies, huts, and the statues were all here before we were."
The trio that made up half the Mane Six gasped in surprise.
"Really?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Yeah, it's true," Muse said.
"But I thought you said the settlers on this island never found anyone else living here," Applejack said. "You also said they didn't find any trace that anyone had lived here before either."
"They didn't," TJ said. "Records show no recorded encounter with Willowbrook before and none of us ever saw it while exploring the island. Or at least we didn't until we decided to leave Seaside Hoof and strike out on our own. It just suddenly appeared out of nowhere. We never did find anyone who might've lived here before and it seemed deserted when we first got here.
"So we fixed the village up and made it our own home. We even gave it its current name. I can only guess whatever group made Willowbrook before somehow made the alpha stone, too. But the thing is that we didn't find the stone here in Willowbrook."
"Well, where did you find it then?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"I didn't," TJ said as he looked to his sister. "Muse did." The others looked to the young alicorn in surprise as she smiled nervously. "We found her holding it while she was sleeping. That was the first time we saw her as an alicorn... and the first time any of us ever saw Anguirus."
"What?!" Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy said together.
"We found Muse sleeping on the big guy's snout," TJ said with a little laugh. "Both were fast asleep and Anguirus was covered in the forest's terrain. We were frantic and looking for Muse as soon as we realized she wasn't in her bed, at home, or anywhere in the village. We were all more than happy to find her. But, needless to say, the whole search party got quite the scare when we discovered Anguirus was there, too."
"Oh, I don't doubt it," Applejack said.
"I was quite surprised when I saw Godzilla for the first time," Twilight Sparkle said. "Didn't help that I was surrounded by fire and that there was another monster there when that happened."
"How did you come across Anguirus, Muse?" Fluttershy asked.
"And the alpha stone, too?" Twilight Sparkle added.
"Well..." Muse stammered. "Uh... I..."
"She doesn't remember," TJ explained.
"That's not true," Muse asserted. "I remember it... a little."
"Well then, don't keep us in suspense," Applejack said.
"Yeah, Muse, let us in on it," Twilight Sparkle said. "Start with how you became an alicorn."
A deadpan look crossed Muse's face as she stared at Twilight Sparkle for a moment.
"Seriously?" Muse asked. "You're still on this whole me being an alicorn thing?"
"It ain't just her, sugarcube," Applejack said.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't get over it," Twilight Sparkle said. "Coming here, one of the last things I ever expected to find was another alicorn... I also didn't expect to find another good kaiju or a powerful rock either."
Everyone shared a quick laugh at the princess's last sentence.
"I guess a lot of this stuff is pretty shocking to learn for the first time, isn't it?" Muse said.
"Yeah, it is," Twilight Sparkle said. "So please bare with me for a moment?... How about you just start at the beginning?"
"Go ahead, Muse," Applejack said.
"Please?" Fluttershy asked softly.
"You might as well let them in on it, sis," TJ said.
"Okay, okay," Muse said. "I'll try and tell you as best as I can remember it."
"Thank you," Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack all said together.
"Hmm... where to start?" Muse wondered out loud. "Well, I guess I'll start by telling you I used to take a lot of late night walks. I used to have a lot of trouble sleeping. Sometimes I still do, but that shouldn't be too surprising considering what me and our village go through on a regular basis."
"Our mom has problems like that, too," TJ said. "Sometimes I do, too. It's really mostly stress related."
"At first I mostly stuck to strolling around the village," Muse said. "But eventually I started walking around the immediate area of the forest around the village. I have no idea why I did things that stupid. Maybe I was suicidal back then. Let's not dwell too much on that subject, though.
"Anyways, one of my late night strolls brought me face to face with Anguirus. By that time, the minotaurs were already using their giant monsters to attack us. So, naturally, I thought Anguirus was one of theirs. I still think he might've been at the time. We may be best friends now, but that first time, Anguirus was anything but friendly.
"He looked like he had every intention of making me a late night snack. He probably would've, except for his stomping split a part of the ground open, which revealed a bright glowing light."
"The alpha stone," Twilight, Fluttershy, and Applejack said together.
"I'm guessing that's what it was, too," Muse said. "Then all I remember is a flash of light an then waking up on Anguirus's snout surrounded by several scared ponies, including TJ and my step dad. I'm told, I immediately told them all Anguirus was a good guy. That was when I first gave him his name, too. I don't really remember that part, but TJ insists it's true."
"It is," TJ said. "Just like what she said about Anguirus being on our side was true because he's had our back ever since. Muse is the one who hangs with him the most, but that's okay. I think that's the way he wants it and that seems appropriate to me. I really appreciate him looking out for my sister like he does.
"I have a whole lot of respect for Anguirus."
"You say TJ's father was there, too, Muse?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"Yeah," Muse said.
"It was right before he disappeared," TJ said as he looked on solemnly, his voice matching his changing mood.
Muse walked up and rubbed a hoof on TJ's back as Twilight Sparkle came and placed her hoof on his.
"You'll get him back, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said. "I promise."
TJ smiled in appreciation before he tried to buck up a little.
"You okay, TJ?" Muse asked concernedly.
"Uh, yeah," TJ said. "Or at least, I will be now."
TJ kept looking at Twilight Sparkle, who continued to smile supportively.
"So you also woke up with new wings, Muse?" Applejack asked.
"Yes," Muse said. She spread out her newest limbs for all to see. "I also got a serious power boost. It was so powerful, it made me afraid to use my magic even for the smallest things. No matter what I did, nine times out of ten I ended up using too much power.
"I sort of mastered using it for small things like cooking and levitating, but I'm still afraid of using my full power. Using too much led to... disastrous results."
"I know what you're getting at, Muse," Twilight Sparkle said. "I actually had some experiences like that, myself."
"So do you think it was the alpha stone that turned Anguirus good and you into an alicorn?" Fluttershy asked.
"It must be," Muse said. "There's just no other explanation. Or at least not one I can think of."
"Me neither," TJ said.
The other ponies all agreed as well.
"Well, I'd say things turned out for the better with you finding the alpha stone," Applejack said.
"Yeah, they'd turn out even better if we could find the other three," TJ said.
"The other three?!" Fluttershy, Twilight, and Applejack asked together in surprise.
"After we found the stone," TJ said, "we found what little records were in the village left by those who lived here before us. They showed records of there being three other alpha stones. They also said that's what they were called, but we first learned their names when we found Muse that night. She said it was called the alpha stone and the records confirmed it, as did the minotaurs shouting they wanted it when they found out we had it."
"I have no idea how I knew their name," Muse said.
"So that's probably the biggest reason they keep attacking you," Twilight Sparkle said.
"One of them, probably," TJ said. "Plus I get this feeling they just don't like us that much."
Everypony let out a small laugh, despite the seriousness of the situation.
"It's okay, though," Muse added. "We don't like them all that much either."
"Do you think they might have the other stones?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"No, I don't," TJ said. "If they did, they probably would've figured out how to use them and probably would've by now."
"But these are minotaurs we're taking about," Applejack said.
"Minotaurs with access to two very intelligent, albeit psychotic, ponies," TJ replied.
"That's true," Fluttershy said. "From what I saw and you all said, they seemed really mean."
"Oh, they were," Twilight Sparkle said as a glare crossed her face. "I really couldn't stand that Khaos Fury thing... But I have to admit... it seemed like if anyone had a chance to unlock the stones' power, it was her and her brother."
"Thankfully, it also seems like it hasn't come to that," Muse said. "It took Mom a dog's age to figure it out for herself."
"She must be a truly remarkable pony," Fluttershy said.
"You have no idea," TJ said. "She's one of the most remarkable, most resilient, most amazing ponies I've ever met in my life. Her and Muse here... My whole family actually."
"From what I've seen I think you're all pretty great," Fluttershy said.
"Yes you are, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said.
"I think Fluttershy meant the whole village, Twi," Applejack said.
"Oh!" Twilight Sparkle let out. "Of course! That's what I meant to say, too!... It's only that... well, I've known TJ the longest of everypony that lives on this island!"
"Uh-huh, sure," Applejack said, sounding unconvinced.
"I appreciate you all saying that," TJ said. "You girls already know I think your the cat's pajamas and the bee's knees. You already showed me that several times before. Now you've shown the whole village, too, so I know they think the same about you as I do. It all makes me feel like things are gonna take a turn for the better."
"I certainly hope so," Fluttershy said.
"I know so," TJ said. "You've already inspired so many ponies here. We're actually celebrating after a cleanup that came from a minotaur battle. That never happens here! If you keep this up and we all work together, then there's nothing we can't do!"
Everypony looked to their kaiju friends, who were still exchanging pleasant conversations with each other.
"I agree with you, TJ," Twilight Sparkle said. "But I got a feeling that rings especially true for Godzilla and Anguirus."
"Oh, yeah, no doubt about it," TJ said.
"Celestia knows they could both use it," Applejack said.
"I still think Anguirus might need it more than Godzilla," TJ said. "Seriously, what I saw go down between him and Solomon today was amazing. I've never ever seen Solomon go that long in a fight or have to work so hard. Godzilla fought him to a near standstill."
"But eventually he did take Godzilla down," Muse asserted. "It was only because Anguirus showed up and helped him that Godzilla was finally able to beat Solomon. They did it together just like they need to keep doing and just like we need to do."
"Oh, believe me, Muse, we will," Twilight Sparkle said confidently. "With the combined might of Godzilla's power, Anguirus's heart, and our spirit, we'll take these turkeys down easily!"
"Yeah!" everypony shouted together.
They then looked to the monsters when they heard a change in their tones. Anguirus had looked away from Godzilla in sadness, shame, and a hint of anger. Godzilla looked to his new friend sympathetically while also appearing to be mad.
"What's going on?" Muse asked.
"They had just started talking about the fight today," Fluttershy said. "Godzilla was upset at himself for not doing better. Now Anguirus is upset that he's never technically won a fight before today."
Anguirus looked around solemnly at some of the wounds on display all across his body, each one being a reminder of his past failures. The four legged kaiju hung his head as his eyes shut in sorrow.
"Poor guy," Twilight Sparkle said.
"I'm so sorry I was hard on you earlier, Anguirus," TJ said. "You do the best you can and that's all anypony could ask for."
Anguirus roared back a reply.
"Oh, you poor thing," Fluttershy said in a motherly fashion.
"What did he say?" Twilight Sparkle asked.
"He said, not when lives are at stake," Fluttershy translated.
That made everypony even sadder, with Muse even coming up to rub and nuzzle Anguirus's paw. Everypony was taken aback when a bright pink glow suddenly illuminated the area. They looked to see Godzilla's back spikes were the source of the glow because they were lighting up in a pink aura. Muse trotted back to the group and watched with them as the scenario played on.
"What's he doing?" Muse asked.
"I don't know," Fluttershy confessed.
Suddenly, Godzilla opened his mouth and a strange, pink mist escaped his maw. The mist washed over Anguirus as he began to glow in a white flashing light. Everyone marveled at this sight until the lights got too bright and they had to look away. Only seconds later, did everyone look to see the lights were all gone, as was the mist. In their place, the ponies saw, much to their delighted surprise, all of Anguirus's injuries had disappeared.
Everyone gawked in astonishment, their eyes darting all over the spiky kaiju's body. It was true that there wasn't a single scratch left on him. None were as surprised by this as Anguirus was. His wide eyes looked across as many parts of his body they could as he lifted his front legs to his face and even brought his tail around. He couldn't believe that not only were the injuries gone, but so was every bit of lingering pain they left.
"What just happened?!" Muse asked in amazement.
"Godzilla must've somehow used his healing powers to heal Anguirus!" Twilight Sparkle exclaime.
Muse looked to the trio from Equestria with disbelief.
"Did you say healing powers?!" Muse asked.
"Yes," Twilight, Applejack, and Fluttershy said together.
"Godzilla can heal his injuries much faster than any other living creature on the planet," Fluttershy explained. "We've seen him do it hundreds of times before."
"Haven't you noticed there isn't a scratch left on his body from the fight with Solomon earlier?" Applejack asked.
Muse looked again and her eyes seemed to widen even further as she gasped in astonishment.
"Oh, my gosh, you're right!" Muse said. "He really doesn't have any injuries on him at all! I can't believe it! I guess I was just distracted by what an amazing sight he already was. He was already extremely cool... Now he's twice as awesome!
"The way he grabbed Solomon and just threw him! That was unbelievable! I've never seen anyone or anything do something like that to that skull faced, bat-winged pain in the flank! I hope I get to see it happen again."
"With these two working together, I can almost guarantee it," Twilight Sparkle said.
"Especially if Anguirus uses his spikes as good as he did before," Applejack added. "Seriously, launching himself backwards to slam his spikes into Solomon was a stroke of genius! Anguirus is pretty cool himself."
The ponies all looked up happily when they heard Anguirus growling to Godzilla. He appeared to be very emotional based on the look on his face. His eyes were practically trembling, he felt so happy. Godzilla was smiling back as he replied with his own low growls. Fluttershy giggled as her eyes shut and her smile got bigger.
"What are they saying?" Muse asked.
"Anguirus thanked Godzilla," Fluttershy explained. "Now Godzilla is saying that he is more than happy to share whatever he's got with his friends."
"Aww, that's so sweet," Muse said.
"That's the kind of guy Ziller is," Applejack said.
"Do you think Anguirus can heal himself like Godzilla now?" TJ asked.
"Probably not," Twilight Sparkle said. "I think if he wants a quick heal in the future, he'll need more treatments from Godzilla like what he just had here."
"Then we have nothing to worry about," TJ said. "I already know these two are gonna end up being the best of friends. And it'll be through the light of friendship's might that we'll come out on top in the end."
Fluttershy suddenly let out a little laugh.
"Now what are they talking about, Fluttershy?" Muse asked.
"Somehow they got on the subject of each others eating habits," Fluttershy explained between laughs.
This got the rest of the group laughing, too as they watched both Godzilla and Anguirus bond even closer together.
"Oh, Fluttershy, I am so glad you're willing to translate everything they're saying," Muse said between laughs. "Beyond just being fascinating, turns out in can be hilarious, too."
"Well, I'm happy to do it whenever you want me, too, Muse," Fluttershy said.
"Thanks," Muse said as she and Fluttershy smiled at each other.
They soon turned their attention back to the monsters so they may continue to marvel at them with everyone else.
Holy exposition, Batman! Lol Sorry about that. I just wanted to get all this exposition and backstory out of the way and I felt this was the best way to do it. Anyways, here's the next chapter. I decided to keep working on this story while I'm writing my all original content short story (which is about half way done BTW). I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and regardless of how you feel, please leave a review after reading. I'm The Guy Who Likes To Write Stuff, signing off.